5 pieces of advice for young women starting in their careers
International Women’s Day 2023 is not only a day to celebrate the amazing achievements and work that women do around the world but it’s also a time to reflect on how we can progress towards gender equality.
For International Women’s Day 2023, we’ve asked the women at Growth HQ to give one piece of advice to young women who might be thinking about their professional careers and starting their journey in the working world. Here is their advice:
Inez Miedema - CEO & Co-Founder
As a more general motto, mine has always been: “Find your tribe, celebrate your peers and enjoy the journey.”. Specifically though, as a woman at the start of your career -or in fact at any time during your career- you might receive pushback from others. When this happens: read the room. When you feel you cannot get things done due to the opinions or power of others, read the room. Why would they give you so much push back? Figuring out the “why”, helps you adjust your stance or accept that the timing isn’t right.
Emma Brocklehurst – Digital Account Manager
Your thoughts, ideas and input are valid and important! Put yourself forward, do your best and be okay about making mistakes and remember to be kind to yourself if something doesn’t go as you had planned - it’s the best way to learn! There’s no such thing as failure 😊
Lauren Whitty – Account Manger
When I was first starting out in my career I tried to absorb as much information as possible from reading blogs by other women in the industry, listening to podcasts and trying to get as much work experience as possible. I would say one piece of advice is to control the controllables, focus on making small steps to improve your development and in turn this will help the bigger picture. But most importantly do what makes you happy.
Lydia Draper – Senior Digital Marketing Executive
Success is not linear and every lesson learnt has helped you get to where you are! It's important to not compare yourself to others, social media has magnified the effects of social comparison in the corporate world. Remember everyone is on a different path and success is in the eyes of the beholder. Take time to switch off, put your phone/laptop/emails away and do something for yourself 🙂
Francesca Wardzinski – Digital Marketing Executive
Let yourself take risks. Allow yourself to try something new or indulge in an area of work you really enjoy, even if you believe there are people much better at it then you. I would often take the safe option when I was young due to fear of instability or failure but it’s okay to let yourself take chances.
We hope these little snippets of career advice help to motivate and inspire young women out there to do their best and to be the best version of themselves both in the workplace and beyond.